During a trip to Louisville, gay adult film star Jessie Colter visited the recently re-opened Kentucky Kingdom. Jessie, like myself, tends to opt for the shorter side of men's swimwear. Upon arrival at the park, Colter was allegedly informed that his briefs were acceptable for wear at the park.
However during his stay at the park, Jessie was allegedly approached by a LMPD officer asking that he leave the park or face arrest. According to this article, a "LMPD officer allegedly approached Jessie, called him 'queer' and threatened him with arrest, for wearing Speedo swimwear. 'He informed me that several Public Safety Officers from the park had warned [me], which is 100% false,' Colter added."
Colter did decide to leave the park, and no official complaints against the park have been filed. Kentucky Kingdom has been contacted for a statement, but at time of publication I have not received a reply. This story will be updated once I do receive word from their team.
Kentucky Kingdom does outline a dress code on their site, which in summation gives them the right to refuse anyone for a suit the do not deem to be fit their standards.
"Guests must wear shirts and shoes at all times while at Kentucky Kingdom, except when inside the Hurricane Bay water park. Proper swimming attire is required at Hurricane Bay. For their own safety, guests may not swim in cut-offs or other clothing with rivets, zippers, or buckles. Kentucky Kingdom is a family-friendly theme park and reserves the right to determine whether a guest's attire is appropriate."
While there has been no response from Kentucky Kingdom a local twitter user does seem to corroborate Jessie's story.
As a gay man that grew up in the area, I have received my fair share of hate and discrimination because of my sexual orientation. 4th Street Live's dress code is a prime example of a double standard: women are practically allowed to wear whatever they chose, but a man can not wear a tank top, low cut shirts, or shorts that are too short. Granted, I understand it's within the establishment's rights to put forth a dress code policy, but why the double standard? Why is it ok for women to show off their bodies, but when a man does it we are asked to leave or put on more clothing?
A Speedo may be a little out of place at Kentucky Kingdom, but at the end of the day ask yourself if it's out of place because it's inappropriate or because we, here in Kentucky, have made it taboo? Sound off in the comments, or feel free to hit me up on Twitter, @TheKenGent. I'd love to hear your take on all this.